Relief supplies dispatched to Torokina

Three of the nine boats captured here in Buka preparing to head out to Torokina with relief supplies on Saturday. (NBC News)

Close to K1 million worth of food rations and essential supplies have been dispatched to the Torokina area in South Bougainville, which was among the hardest hit by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Nine boats loaded with relief supplies left Buka for Torokina on Saturday morning.

Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter Tsiamalili Jr, said affected communities were identified by the Bougainville Disaster Office in coordination with the cyclone response team from his office.

“Distribution is being carried out in close coordination with the Disaster Office, following joint assessments conducted by both teams,” Mr Tsiamalili said.

Bougainville Regional MP. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr and Maria Vanua, team leader of Cyclone Maila Center ensuring that relief supplies were on their way to Torokina. (NBC News)

The South Bougainville Member’s Office also provided logistical support for Saturday’s operation.

Relief supplies for the atolls are still pending, as stakeholders work to secure a vessel to transport assistance in the coming days.

The Office of the Regional Member is working closely with the Bougainville Disaster and Emergency Command Centre during the current State of Emergency to deliver urgent aid to affected communities.

So far, collaboration between the Regional Member’s Office, other national members of parliament, and the Autonomous Bougainville Government has ensured that immediate food assistance is reaching some of the hardest-hit areas across Bougainville.